Good Memories & Looking Forward to the Future

Renovations of Lindquist Hall mix innovation and nostalgia

Frank Harrold, dean of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, checks on the progress of the Social Science building renovation. As he stands on the east side, he can see straight through to Harrison Boulevard, and he gets a bit nostalgic.

“My favorite memory is the 40th anniversary celebration we held for the building in 2013,” he said. “The crime lab was open for fingerprinting; visitors searched for treasure using a GPS system; and children dug through dirt for fossils. It was a fun day, where we spotlighted all of the tremendous programs we offer.”

While good memories will always remain, excitement for the new building is, well, building.

When the renovation is completed in January 2019, the Social Science building will be renamed Lindquist Hall. It will include 34 classrooms, 10 different suites for department offices, with 72 faculty offices and six adjunct office areas, a three-story atrium space, a testing center and a public computer lab.

Harrold said he is personally looking forward to the expanded Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service, the 150-seat lecture hall and the state-of-the-art laboratories for archaeology, bioanthropology, forensics and neuroscience, and a lab to study animal behavior.

Chad Downs, the senior project manager in charge of renovations, said Lindquist Hall is a great example of balancing nostalgia with a modern twist.

“We are keeping true to the classic nature of the Social Science building by keeping the overall footprint and form of the building, but also modernizing the interior so that the building will function better for future generations of students,” Downs said.

While taking into account the better educational setting and resources, Lindquist Hall will also be mindful of energy resources. Geothermal wells, 150 of which are being drilled in the northwest corner of campus as part of the Lindquist Hall renovation project, will supplement the heating and cooling of the building.

“Lindquist Hall is a carbon neutral-capable building,” said Jennifer Bodine, WSU’s sustainability manager. “Weber State University is committed to using ground source, solar and wind to ultimately power our campus.”

According to Justin Owen, WSU’s energy manager, it is estimated that Lindquist Hall will only use about 60 percent of the energy the old Social Science building consumed.

Harrold said the $34 million project reflects Weber State’s commitment to provide students with excellent educational facilities that will make a positive impact on the community and its future.

"The renovation is important to give our students up-to-date classrooms, labs, and study spaces,” Harrold said. “The old building was ... failing. The renovated Lindquist Hall will be a wonderful facility that will enhance the education we can offer our students.”

The name of the renovated building is a tribute to the Lindquist family. John E. Lindquist, president of Lindquist Mortuaries and Great Western Insurance, generously donated $5 million to help with the extensive remodel of the building. The state Legislature approved a $14 million allocation to the project in 2017, to be followed by a $15 million allocation in 2018.

There are various naming opportunities for classrooms and labs. If you are interested in helping provide a better future for students, faculty, staff and the community by supporting this project or others, contact Chuck Holland, development director for the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, at charlesholland@weber.edu or 801-626-7539.